STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff Statement on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released the following statement to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide:

"Today, Armenian communities around the world commemorate 111 years since the systematic murder and displacement of 1.5 million Armenian women, men, and children by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923. More than a century later, we again affirm that their efforts to annihilate the Armenian people failed and dedicate ourselves to preserving the memory of those who were lost.

"In 2019, I had the honor of authoring the resolution that officially recognized the Armenian Genocide and that passed on a nearly unanimous and bipartisan vote. These historic achievements happened because of a resilient and enduring Armenian community and diaspora, and decades of their work.

"But some in this administration are retreating from that important progress and refusing to recognize the plain truth of the Genocide. While their silence may gratify the Turkish autocrat, it is a profound setback to the cause of justice and human rights.

"As we commemorate the lives lost over a century ago, we are also reminded of another dark chapter in history - the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh's indigenous Armenian population.

"Today, let us commit to redoubling our efforts and reaffirming our shared commitment to justice. We must urge the immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, advocate for the right of displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes in Artsakh, demand the release of Armenian prisoners of war and those unjustly sentenced, and urge the safeguarding and preservation of Armenian religious and cultural sites. These steps must all be integral to advancing any peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"As I've seen over the years representing a district - and now state - with the largest Armenian American populations in the country, Armenians remain strong and unbowed. I will continue to stand with Armenians around the state and world to fight for justice."

Background: California is home to nearly 250,000 Armenians - more than half of the Armenian diaspora in the United States - and Senator Schiff has been a strong champion for the Armenian community, leading Congress to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide in 2019.

Schiff has submitted provisions over the years to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to bring home the Armenian prisoners of war following Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of Artsakh in 2023. He will continue pushing for the release of the prisoners of war whom Azerbaijan continues to hold.

###